Digging Deep to Discover the Foundation for Biodiversity

explore the geologic foundations upon which all life depends and how biodiversity is dependent upon Earth's processes.

We will discuss the relationships between biodiversity, climate, elevation, and soil, and how human impacts are altering these critical relationships, contributing to biodiversity loss. Finally, we will share opportunities for action that can be implemented across grade levels and in various settings, ranging from data collection to soil restoration.

Presenter(s) - Jocelyn Miller, Ph.D. & Dennis Liu, Ph.D.

Dr. Jocelyn Miller is a former middle and high school teacher and passionate conservationist dedicated to fostering appreciation for biodiversity and wild spaces. She works to improve equity and access in science education by developing inclusive strategies that empower diverse learners. Dr. Miller has authored science curricula, presented nationally and internationally, and published in peer-reviewed journals. She holds a B.S. in Earth Science Education, an M.Ed. in Secondary Science Education, and a Ph.D. in STEM Curriculum and Instruction from Texas Tech University, where she researched climate change education.

Dr. Dennis Liu is an internationally recognized expert in science education who has led the creation of influential educational media at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Video Discovery, and Microsoft. He has collaborated with scientists, educators, and media professionals to produce award-winning films and digital resources that have shaped how science is taught and understood. Dr. Liu has also overseen cross-disciplinary teams focused on ensuring the educational impact of media and professional development initiatives. Trained in zoology and genetics, he holds a Ph.D. in Biology from the University of Oregon and is passionate about communicating science to diverse audiences.